The Smoke on the Square BBQ festival, being held today and tomorrow in Hope, has turned into the biggest amateur barbecue event in the state, with 25 teams confirmed and more possible. That’s according to Jeff Yarnell, organizer for the event.
Yarnell said he and two friends are trying to organize a network of small, backyard barbecues. Most of those events only last a couple of years, while the Hope event has continued to grow. He said they would like to share some of their tips for success:
The group is organizing the Southern Indiana BBQ Series as a way for operators of the small shows to network and promote their events.
Smoke on the Square kicks off at 5 p.m. today on the Hope Town Square with music, entertainment and food to purchase and starts again tomorrow at 11 a.m. with the barbecue contest. The People’s Choice Award tasting will start at 3 p.m.
Meals range from $4 for a kids hot dog meal all the way to $9 for a beef brisket dinner. The People’s Choice Award tasting is $6 to try at least 12 teams barbecue.
The event is a fundraiser for the Hope Community Center.